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Provide More Customer Value
Give existing customers another resource for payment acceptance, processing reviews, POS systems, and related business tools.
Supplier Referral Partnerships
Supplier Referral Partnerships for Commercial Distributors
Supplier referral partnerships with Valued Merchant Services help qualifying commercial distributors, equipment dealers, wholesalers, and business suppliers connect customers with merchant processing, point-of-sale technology, and related solutions.
Strengthen the relationships you've already built with business customers while exploring eligible referral revenue through a structured partnership.
Referral eligibility, program responsibilities, and compensation are reviewed individually and established through a written agreement.
Since 2006
VMS industry experience
50 States
Nationwide business reach
B2B Focus
Merchant-centered service
Flexible Scope
Approved referral programs
Understanding the opportunity
What Are Supplier Referral Partnerships?
Supplier referral partnerships are business arrangements in which a commercial supplier introduces qualifying business customers to another provider for relevant services. In a VMS relationship, an equipment dealer, distributor, or wholesaler can make approved introductions when customers express payment processing or technology needs. VMS handles the agreed merchant service activities, while any compensation and responsibilities are governed by a written agreement.
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Explore Referral Revenue
Discuss eligible one-time fees, ongoing revenue sharing, or another approved compensation model. Earnings are not guaranteed.
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Focus on Your Core Products
Continue supplying the equipment, inventory, and services your customers already rely on. VMS supports the merchant solutions it provides.
Commercial partners we consider
Referral Partnerships for Distributors, Dealers, and Wholesalers.
A foodservice distributor, retail equipment supplier, and commercial wholesaler may serve different customers. Therefore, VMS starts by understanding your business model and identifying where payment solutions could complement your existing relationships.
Restaurant Equipment Suppliers
Suppliers of kitchen equipment, refrigeration, and restaurant furnishings may work with owners opening new locations or upgrading operations. Those customers may also need POS and payment systems.
Foodservice Distributors
Companies delivering food, beverages, and supplies to restaurants, cafes, and hospitality operators often maintain ongoing merchant relationships.
Retail Equipment Dealers
Providers of fixtures, shelving, scanners, and business equipment may encounter retailers planning new stores, remodels, or technology upgrades.
Commercial Wholesalers
Wholesale companies serving business customers can explore referral arrangements for eligible merchants interested in payment processing and related services.
Hospitality Industry Suppliers
Hospitality suppliers may have customers who need point-of-sale tools, terminals, mobile payments, or additional commerce solutions.
Specialty Commercial Vendors
Uniform suppliers, vending-related companies, equipment service providers, and other B2B vendors may also identify suitable business referral opportunities.
Practical solutions for business customers
Payment and Business Solutions That Complement Commercial Supply Relationships.
Your products help businesses operate. However, the same businesses often need ways to accept payments, manage transactions, or evaluate processing expenses.
For example, a restaurant buying new equipment may also be shopping for a POS system. A growing retailer could need additional terminals, while a mobile service company may want flexible payment acceptance.
VMS can discuss available solutions based on the merchant's actual needs. Any equipment compatibility or integration requirements are reviewed before a recommendation is made.
Merchant Processing
Processing Expense Reviews
Point-of-Sale Systems
Payment Terminals
Contactless Payments
Mobile Payments
Ecommerce Payments
ACH & Check Options
Gift & Loyalty Programs
Other Approved Business Tools
The right opportunity at the right time
When Do Commercial Supplier Referrals Make the Most Sense?
A well-timed introduction is often more useful than a broad sales pitch. Because suppliers work with companies at important business milestones, they may recognize an opportunity when a customer expresses an additional need.
A New Restaurant Is Opening
A restaurant owner buys commercial equipment while preparing to open. The owner may also be comparing POS systems, payment terminals, and merchant processing options. An authorized introduction can begin the conversation.
A Retailer Is Expanding
A retail business orders fixtures and equipment for a second location. That expansion may create a need for additional payment acceptance, merchant accounts, or compatible business technology.
A Customer Is Reviewing Costs
An established business asks about improving profitability or reducing avoidable operating expenses. Where appropriate, a merchant processing review can be discussed using authorized statements.
Simple supplier referral process
How Supplier Referral Partnerships Work.
A supplier partnership does not automatically create payment sales or installation obligations. Instead, the parties establish a practical referral workflow, customer communication expectations, compensation terms, and responsibilities before referrals begin.
01
Discuss the Opportunity
Review your products, business customers, current relationships, and potential merchant needs.
02
Establish Approved Terms
Define referral eligibility, customer consent, compensation, disclosures, tracking, and support roles.
03
Introduce Interested Businesses
Use the agreed process when a customer requests help with payment technology or merchant processing.
04
Coordinate Service & Reporting
VMS handles agreed merchant activities. Reporting and permitted referral compensation follow the written agreement.
Clear commercial responsibilities
Supplier Referral Partnerships Should Protect Customer Relationships and Define Each Party's Role.
Your reputation depends on dependable products, delivery, and service. A merchant referral should complement that relationship, not introduce confusion about equipment warranties, sales agreements, payment system support, or customer privacy.
Therefore, VMS and each prospective partner should agree on referral procedures and communications before launching a program.
Customer Consent and Introductions
Establish how interested customers authorize an introduction and what contact information is appropriate to share.
Product and Service Boundaries
Equipment sales, delivery, warranties, and supplier responsibilities remain distinct from VMS merchant processing or technology services.
Transparency and Compensation
Where compensation is permitted, document the eligible referrals, payment structure, tracking, and applicable disclosures.
Compatibility and Installation
Do not assume payment equipment will integrate with every existing system. Any technical responsibilities, compatibility needs, and installation requirements should be evaluated separately.
Transparency matters:
Where a supplier promotes a service
provider and receives compensation,
applicable advertising rules and
contractual obligations should
be reviewed. The
Federal Trade Commission's guidance
on endorsements and material connections
provides additional information.
This independent resource does not
constitute approval or endorsement of VMS.
An established business solutions partner
Your Commercial Relationships Deserve a Thoughtful Referral Experience.
Founded in Idaho in 2006, Valued Merchant Services serves businesses nationwide with payment processing, payment technology, and related business solutions.
The company is led by co-founders Sean Ruppel, CEO, and Chris Del Grande, President. VMS emphasizes personalized service, consultative conversations, and long-term merchant relationships.
A supplier's recommendation can influence an important business purchasing decision. We believe clear communication, suitable solutions, and defined service responsibilities should guide the referral process.
Learn more about Valued Merchant Services and our broader Business Referral Partnerships .
Illustrative image, not a photograph of an actual supplier partnership.
Common supplier partnership questions
Supplier Referral Partnerships: Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn how equipment dealers, commercial distributors, and wholesale suppliers can explore merchant service referrals, potential compensation, and customer protections.
What are supplier referral partnerships?
Supplier referral partnerships allow qualifying commercial suppliers or distributors to introduce business customers to outside providers for relevant services. With VMS, this can involve merchant processing, payment technology, or related business solutions under an approved agreement.
Can restaurant equipment suppliers refer merchant processing clients?
Yes, VMS considers relationships with qualifying restaurant equipment suppliers. Customers preparing to open or expand a restaurant may need point-of-sale systems, payment terminals, and merchant processing services.
Can foodservice distributors become referral partners?
VMS considers appropriate partnerships with foodservice distributors serving restaurant and hospitality businesses. A referral model can be discussed based on the distributor's customer relationships and operational preferences.
Can wholesale suppliers earn recurring merchant referral revenue?
Eligible arrangements may include recurring revenue sharing, one-time referral fees, or other approved terms. Actual compensation depends on the written agreement, qualifying activity, and applicable requirements. Earnings are not guaranteed.
Do commercial suppliers need to sell payment processing?
Not necessarily. A referral-oriented arrangement can allow suppliers to introduce interested businesses while VMS handles agreed payment services discussions.
Does a supplier need to install POS equipment?
No POS installation obligation is assumed in a standard referral discussion. Any equipment sales, installation, integration, or support responsibilities must be established separately.
Can a retail equipment dealer refer new store owners?
Yes, eligible retail equipment dealers may encounter business owners opening stores or expanding locations. Where a customer expresses interest, an approved introduction may connect the retailer with VMS.
What types of business customers can be referred?
Potential customers include restaurants, retailers, hospitality operators, service businesses, and other eligible merchants seeking payment acceptance or related business solutions.
Can an existing business request a processing cost review?
Yes. VMS can review merchant statements and payment needs with proper authorization. The outcome depends on actual pricing, transaction characteristics, and available services. Savings are not guaranteed.
Must a customer switch its current POS system?
Not always. Compatibility depends on the existing software, terminals, payment provider, and proposed service. Certain solutions require changes, while other options may not.
Does VMS serve merchants outside our supplier's home state?
VMS serves businesses throughout all 50 states. An approved referral program may address eligible merchants across different regions, subject to applicable service requirements.
What happens after a supplier refers a business?
VMS follows the agreed introduction process, discusses the merchant's specific needs, and evaluates relevant services. Tracking, communication, and compensation follow the approved agreement.
Who remains responsible for the supplier's products?
The supplier remains responsible for its own products, warranties, delivery, and contractual duties. VMS handles agreed merchant solutions. Service boundaries should be documented clearly.
Are customer consent and compensation disclosures required?
Appropriate customer authorization should govern any introduction and information sharing. Financial relationship disclosures depend on the actual promotion, compensation arrangement, and applicable rules.
Can a small local equipment supplier participate?
VMS considers supplier businesses of different sizes. The suitability of any partnership depends on client needs, the proposed referral process, eligibility, and commercial terms.
How can our distribution company explore a VMS partnership?
Complete the inquiry form below or call 208-243-0818. Describe the products you supply, the businesses you serve, and the referral opportunities you have in mind. The initial discussion carries no obligation.
Explore a commercial supplier partnership
Let's Discuss a Referral Partnership for Your Supply or Distribution Company.
Whether you're a restaurant equipment supplier, foodservice distributor, commercial wholesaler, hospitality supplier, or retail equipment dealer, we'd welcome a conversation about the businesses you serve and potential partnership fit.
Form not displaying? Open the partnership inquiry form directly.
Submitting an inquiry does not establish a partnership or guarantee referral revenue. Program eligibility and compensation are subject to review and written agreement.
Valued Merchant Services provides or facilitates business solutions subject to eligibility, provider availability, approvals, compatibility, and contractual terms. Merchant savings and referral revenue are not guaranteed. Commercial suppliers are responsible for their own product sales, warranties, delivery, customer contracts, and applicable obligations. Any payment technology compatibility, installation, or integration requirements must be reviewed separately. Referral compensation, if available, is governed by an approved written agreement and applicable law. This page is informational and does not constitute legal, technical, or compliance advice. Images are illustrative.